Latest reviews by oogywawa's friends

Picasso - review by sue

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:02:01 +0000

Picasso - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South, 89109, Las Vegas, United States of America

Phone: 866.259.7111

Website: http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/picasso.aspx

Tags: romantic, mediterranean, spanish, expensive, french

The Bellagio is filled with excellent restaurants, and of the fine dining options, one called Picasso caught our eye, so we pre-booked a table for our first night in town. The restaurant is accessed via the Bellagio casino, and looks out over the lake. It has been awarded 2 Michelin Stars, and a AAA Five Diamond Award for seven consecutive years.

The dining room is grand and beautifully decorated - it is filled with Picasso paintings and ceramics. The professional but amiable service made us feel welcome and relaxed from start to finish.

The food is "French cuisine seasonally prepared with a Spanish influence". There was the choice of a degustation menu, or a fixed price, four course menu. We chose from the fixed price menu, and also opted for the Sommelier's wine pairing. This was not a cheap meal, but a memorable one.

To start, we had the Poached Oysters, garnished with Osetra Caviar, Sauce Vermouth; and the Warm Quail Salad with Sauteed Artichokes, Pinenuts. Both dishes were beautifully presented and the oysters were so good they earned a place in Alex's "Top 5 Oysters I have ever eaten" list.

Next up we both opted for the Sauteed Filet of Black Bass with Saffron Sauce and Cauliflower Mousseline - really delicious. Then for the 'main' course we had the Roasted Milk-Fed Veal Chop with Rosemary Potatoes and Au Jus; and the Sauteed Medallions of Fallow Deer with Caramelized Green Apples and Zinfandel Sauce. The deer was certainly the winning dish, I found the veal a little over-cooked.

Desserts were happily devoured, in particular my Warm Chocolate Fondant with Carmel Chocolate Ice Cream. The fondant was good, but the ice cream was exceptionally good and I could happily have eaten it all night.

Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant & Bar - review by sue

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:52:10 +0000

Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant & Bar - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South, 89109, Las Vegas, United States of America

Phone: 866.259.7111

Website: http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/yellowtail.asp

Tags: lively, bellagio, cocktails, sushi, japanese, expensive, romantic

While staying at the Bellagio, one evening a lighter dinner was required in-between drinking cocktails and hitting the casino, so we ventured to Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant, which is conveniently located in the casino area.

A fairly new addition to the Bellagio restaurant directory, Yellowtail is a very stylish looking place, with very attractive staff who seem to have shares in push-up bras.

We were seated at a high table in the front section of the restaurant, so unfortunately didn't have views of the lake and fountain. We weren't ravenous, so just ordered a few things to share. The stand-out item was the Salmon Nigiri - wow, the salmon was so melt-in-your-mouth that we promptly ordered another serve.

We also ordered the Grilled eggplant skewers with sweet miso, some Tuna sushi rolls, and the Popping spicy crab, which was a sushi roll with crab, cucumber, asparagus and a sprinkling of those pop-rock candies that pop and crackle in your mouth. Interesting.

Fontana Bar - review by sue

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:38:39 +0000

Fontana Bar - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South, 89109, Las Vegas, United States of America

Phone: 702.693.7089

Website: http://www.bellagio.com/nightlife/fontana-bar.aspx

Tags: jazz, bellagio, cool & smart, live, views, cocktails, friendly, relaxed, cool, live music

Fontana Bar is located lakeside in the Bellagio, accessed via the casino. There is a large bar area inside, with a stage and dance floor, and a terrace that looks over the lake and Strip. We visited early one evening and of course headed straight for the terrace, and a prime fountain watching position.

There was a band playing inside, and speakers outside so we could still enjoy the music. Every now and then the bands music would be replaced by the various backing soundtracks for the dancing fountains, and we would enjoy the eruptions from our seat.

We ordered mojitos (really good!) and martinis and felt pretty content. I can highly recommend the combination of a terrace table, a cocktail or two and watching the colours of the Strip change and those fountains dance.

Jean Philippe Patisserie - review by sue

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:27:41 +0000

Jean Philippe Patisserie - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South, 89190, Las Vegas, United States of America

Website: http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/jean-philippe.

Tags: quick bite, bellagio, ice cream, top food, average brew, cakes, crowded

Jean Philippe Patisserie is located inside the Bellagio, and is well worth a visit if you have a sweet tooth like me. Not only are there beautifully created (and tasting!) pastries and cakes, but there is also some very good ice cream on offer.

Also of interest is what claims to be the "World's Tallest and Largest Volume Chocolate Fountain". The photo I took only shows the bottom half of it. It certainly looked impressive, but was behind glass, so it was not the type of choc fountain you could dip marshmallows in.

We sampled a couple of the cakes - a Lemon Tart, and a chocolate concoction that had choc mousse and nutella and praline crispy biscuits. Yes, it was good. Another day we returned for a small serving of ice cream, which was creamy and full-flavoured.

The Buffet at the Bellagio - review by sue

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:12:18 +0000

The Buffet at the Bellagio - review by sue

Rating: 2.0

Location: Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South, 89190, Las Vegas, United States of America

Phone: 702.693.7089

Website: http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/the-buffet.asp

Tags: lively, bellagio, all you can eat, international, family & home feel, buffet

I don't really 'do' buffets, basically cause I can't eat that much in one sitting so I never feel like they are good value for me. Oh, and nothing compares to the brunch buffet I once had at the Delano Hotel in Miami. Anyhoo, that said, it seemed like having a meal at the Bellagio Buffet was one of the 'things to do' whilst in Vegas, so we did.

We turned up at around 11am on a Sunday and there was a queue out into the casino. Thankfully it moved quickly, so our tummies weren't grumbling for too long. You have to pay before you are seated, and they ask if you want to leave your tip in advance, or at the table. We opted for the table option, unsure how much service we wanted to pay for at a 'self-service' restaurant.

We were shown to our table and then sat there waiting till eventually our waitress arrived and took our drink orders. Service was pretty non-existent after that.

So, the buffet. There was a massive selection of food - everything from cornflakes to pizza to scrambled eggs to sushi to cakes to roast beef. There were chefs cooking dishes in front of you, so you knew that (some) things were nice and fresh.

We didn't pile our plates too high, though after a couple of visits to the buffet we were pretty much full and unfortunately didn't sample anything worth mentioning.

Canaletto - review by sue

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:54:47 +0000

Canaletto - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd South, 89190, Las Vegas, United States of America

Phone: 702.733.0070

Website: http://www.venetian.com/Pages.aspx?id=838

Tags: italian, venetian, romantic

Canaletto is an Italian restaurant located on "St Marks Square" inside the Venetian Hotel. We had dinner there one night and opted to sit on the terrace in the square. It really did feel like we were back in Venice at dusk. The restaurant was lively and had a real Italian feel, helped along by the Italian staff, and the gondoliers and carabinieri walking past in the square.

We started with a glass of prosecco and reminisced about our last time in Venice. Then it was dinner time. We started with the Calamaretti Fritti and the Minestrone soup. Main course was the Veal shank braised in a marsala wine with porcini & shiitake mushrooms, served with saffron risotto; and the Fillet of seabass with tomatoes, artichokes, prosecco and saffron, served with organic sautÃ©ed spinach and roasted Yukon gold potatoes.

All the food was very enjoyable, and the couple of glasses of wine we had were very good value.

Carnegie Delicatessen - review by sue

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:08:29 +0000

Carnegie Delicatessen - review by sue

Rating: 3.0

Location: Mirage, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd, 89109, Las Vegas, United States of America

Phone: 866.339.4566

Website: http://www.mirage.com/restaurants/carnegie-delicat

Tags: american, jewish, cake, good value, deli, lively

Carnegie Delicatessen is located within the casino of the Mirage Hotel. It is apparently quite like the original Carnegie Deli in New York.

The main draw card here seemed to be the "overstuffed sandwiches" - they were so massive. Think two average slices of bread with a filling of pastrami, and when I say filling I mean a 25cm high tower of meat! Then add sides including a big stack of fries, a tub of coleslaw and a giant pickle, and you will get the idea of what a meal here entails.

But we ignored all that and just shared a giant slice of Cheesecake instead. And a pot of tea to wash it down. And tried to take sneaky photos of people with huge sandwiches.

Plane Food - review by sue

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:15:16 +0000

Plane Food - review by sue

Rating: 2.0

Location: Heathrow Terminal 5, TW6 2GA, Hounslow, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8897 4545

Website: http://www.gordonramsay.com/planefood

Tags: expensive, heathrow, ramsay, gordon ramsay, british, international, breakfast

We thought we would start our last holiday in style - instead of the usual pre-flight breakfast at Giraffe, we would instead dine at Plane Food, which is Gordon Ramsay's restaurant in Heathrow Terminal Five, airside.

The restaurant has been beautifully designed, taking advantage of the light-filled space which offers views out to the airfield. The space was much larger than imagined, and although stylish looking, the ambience was somehow more canteen like than I was expecting. Perhaps it had something to do with the large number of empty tables waiting to be cleared, meaning we had to wait around 10 minutes to be seated (eating into our valuable duty free shopping time).

Was it worth the wait. Not really. As this would be our second breakfast for the day, we just wanted something light and both opted for the Suffolk sweet-cured bacon and egg roll. It was the most boring and flavourless bacon and egg roll I think I have ever had. Next time we'll just stick to Giraffe.

Vivienne Westwood - review by mazphd

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:48:29 +0000

Vivienne Westwood - review by mazphd

Rating: 3.0

Location: 10 Blake Street, YO1 8QG, York, United Kingdom

Tags: exclusive boutique

Now opened in York is a standalone Vivienne Westwood boutique. One of the most 'exclusive' in the country so say my sources as it has been specifically designed to house the full Anglomania range, and added bespoke labels. This means high, High HIGH prices and similarly heighty heels for display. But doesn't it all look fabulous?

Well yes it IS 'fabulous, sweetie dah-ling' in a high end Fash Pack way, but the boutique is yet to find its rhythm in terms of layout, design and customer service. At the door (uniquely for Yorks overally middle class haven) is 'Big Daddy' the instore security. Whose job description requires that he stands as a formidable hulk at the door. BUT this is not Bond Street and you will not be greeted and suitably pampered by the staff. A little door holding open wouldn't go amiss here, especially when one considers the prices. Perhaps thats the way 'they' keep the riff raff out.

At least there's opportunity to shop for Westwood outside of Leeds, and the usual Sarah Coggles haunts. The boutique houses Gold Label, Red Label, Anglomania, MAN as in menswear, her jewellery collection AND and the full range of Westwood accessories that include the complete portfolio of fragrances.

It is worth (pushing the door open yourself) and taking a step inside the split level boutique as in terms of space it is one of Yorkâ¬"s finest shops.

Another reason to swish in is to 'admire' the showcase of a replica of Carrie Bradshaw's wedding dress as worn for the Sex and the City film. So if you have a few Â£'s to spare, then this 'unique' fashion collective could be yours.

Otherwise, from my observation customers tend to opt for Vivienneâ¬"s trademark over-sized ORBs. There's something almost too wag-tastic about this to take seriously, but if you want to spend Â£'s on the high-end equalivalent of a be-jeweled chain then you have come to the right place. Reminiscent in my mind of Burberry's (chav)iconic print. but at least you'll look like everyone else.

Despite the Dame herself being awarded the 'Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Award' I'm not convinced that this boutique is as exclusive and leading as it's trying to make out. But then maybe i'm being 'old fashioned' and just like it when doors are held open for you.

Moro - review by mazphd

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:43:08 +0000

Moro - review by mazphd

Rating: 4.5

Location: 34 - 36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7833 8336

Website: http://www.moro.co.uk/

Tags: lively, middle eastern, business, crowded, expensive, romantic

It is not often that one comes across a restaurant that has style, vibe and some seriously fabulous food. I have been lucky enough to not only dine , but also to experience the wine here, and I intend to develop this very complimentary and devastingly evocative relationship some more.

On my visit, despite being full to bursting and busy every member of staff was attentive, helpful and catchingly perky! Now my experience may have been coloured by the delightful company for the evening (a perceptive, witty and charming dining companion) but Moro also holds all these qualities on its own just on the vibe alone.

For some reason I skipped the Tapas and went straight for the weekly menu, a sardine related dish full of spice, and just the right mix of olive oil and fennel seeds. Simplicity in itself. Now the dining was divine, but better was the wine, and I heartidly recommend, the OntaÃ±on, Gran Reserva a 2001 Spanish Rioja. On the side of 'pricey' at nearly Â£50 a bottle, but mmm so sumptuous.

It has been a while since I've had such great service (especially in the UK!) and wonderful food, and reading the other reviews it seems Moro gets this balance right at least 90% of the time. I'm hoping for those disappointed diners they will return and be charmed in the same way I have been.

My own intention is to revisit and take advantage of the tapas, and moment with a suitably charming dining partner. Oh and to remember to leave room for dessert.

Alquimia - review by mazphd

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:43:19 +0000

Alquimia - review by mazphd

Rating: 5.0

Location: 18-20 Stonegate, YO1 8AS, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 632888

Tags: massage, pamper, beauty, helpful staff

Boo my favourite pampering place is now closed.

More here,

http://www.thepress.co.uk/news/3732854.Luxury_spa_closes_down/

La Bottega Delle Langhe - review by mazphd

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:30:28 +0000

La Bottega Delle Langhe - review by mazphd

Rating: 5.0

Location: 36 Goodramgate, YO1 7LF, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 622584

Tags: Italian, sublime, decadent, refined, top food, proper food, amazing brew, quiet & relaxed, crowded, tasty, lively, cultured, italian

The most wonderful of deli's just got better. La Bottega has now moved to Peasholme area of the city centre (opposite the black swan pub, and nextdoor to the quilting museum, joy)

this means the premises is of comparatively huge proportions to what it had been before. the outside cafe is more like a fully extended restaurant with spaces inside and outside. more popular than ever queues are looooooooong to get space to sit and relax, but well worth the wait. Plus the deli shop means that if you get bored you can buy delights as you wait for your table.

really wonderful to see such a successful business in york. we need more places like la bottega.

Kennedy's - review by mazphd

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:26:24 +0000

Kennedy's - review by mazphd

Rating: 2.0

Location: 1 Little Stonegate, YO1 8AX, York, United Kingdom

Phone: 01904 620222

Website: http://www.kennedyscafebar.co.uk

Tags: live music, sex, pop, late license, cool & smart, live, standard pub food, beer garden, independent pub, friendly, relaxed, cool

I felt compelled to re-review kennedy's for the third time, as despite my last glowing words something has gone terribly wrong.

Kennedy's may be new styled, but on my last visit (yesterday) staff were rude and inept, glasses were unclean, our order was wrong (twice) and no apologies were made.

First i had to wait over fifteen minutes to get served at the upstairs bar empty of other customers and with four members of staff 'mucking about' at the back and far more concerned with flirting with one another than taking a simple drinks order.

After being prompted by myself, twice, to, 'please could someone take my drink order please', this was delivered wrong. twice. They also saw fit to overcharge me, and make no apology. Our glasses were dirty and had to be sent back.

In the ladies toilets, i can't speak for the men's, but the ladies was a shocker. water everywhere on the floor. doors off their hinges, loo paper sopping on the floor. the only saving grace was the lack of light, which meant i probably missed the other hygeine related flouting of regulations. in short. yuk.

The Lamb & Lion - review by mazphd

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:16:51 +0000

The Lamb & Lion - review by mazphd

Rating: 1.8

Location: 2 - 4 High Petergate, YO1 7EH, York, United Kingdom

Tags: young and fun, mature, young professionals, standard pub food, beer garden, independent pub

Well I was misled into thinking that I would be the first to review this 'new' publican house. But it seems that York's worst kept secret is out, with the opening of the Lamb & Lion only a couple of weeks ago three other York reviewers have beaten me to it.

Well things have improved from Oggywawa's evening spent with only ghosts for company, and both Sbrumpton's and Kjhannah's 'disappointment'.

So to my own take. And to start, the bad: well the menu's still not up to scratch. There's only the usual (supposedly 'posh') pub fare grub, with (until this w/e) no vegetarian option. Now vegetarian's do have the option of 'vegetable with dips'. Hmm for what used to be (by all accounts) a reasonable restaurant, the menu and kitchen could do better. Much better.

If sausage and mash is your thing, then you won't be disappointed. And you'll be rewarded with lashings of gravey too.

Over the w/e it was gloriously sunny, and where the sun shines, so too does the L&L. At the back of the pub is a lovely walled garden, with views of the Minster (and sounds of the bells), as well as part of the York Wall. Well worth taking a pew, and listening to the tourists tottle round the Walls. Especially with claims of 'ooo look at that pub garden, how do we get down there', and the inevitable 'Don't fall off the Wall mother! Careful!' I bet the viking's didn't worry about their mother falling off the battlements.

Another plus is that the wine menu for by the glass is reasonably good. I'm disappointed that you can't get a Sancerre, or decent New Zealand Pinot Noir by the glass, but there is a good Rioja and South African Chenin Blanc.

For bar chatter, the French manager is a lively fellow, and more than happy to twist your arm for a Gin&T, rather than just a tonic. Which is what you want in a landlord.

So get the menu together chaps, then the patrons will come. For now, the L&L is quiet, not worthy of vegetarians, but has a lovely garden. Lets hope the sun keep shining.

Oh and I haven't seen any ghosts. Yet.

Petersham Nurseries Restaurant - review by sue

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:23:22 +0000

Petersham Nurseries Restaurant - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: Petersham Nurseries, TW10 7AG, Richmond Upon Thames, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8940 5230

Website: http://www.petershamnurseries.com/cafeandteahouse.asp

Tags: relaxed, rustic, international, quirky, expensive

Just back from an idyllic lunch at Petersham Nurseries Restaurant (not to be confused with the cafÃ©). The restaurant is open for lunch, six days a week, and is housed in a pretty nursery greenhouse. Your rickety chair wobbles on the dirt floor as you eat some very pricy food, surrounded by pot plants and creepers. But the food was very good, and the gorgeous setting seemed to numb the pain of the bill a little.

We timed our visit to coincide with a 'chef swap' that was taking place - Petersham's regular head chef, Skye Gyngell, had traded places with top Sydney chef Sean Moran for a month.

The menu was small, with only 5 choices per course. We started with the Beetroot Ravioli with Ticklemore Aged Goats Cheese. I really loved this dish - not only did it look fabulous but the flavours worked really really well. Main course was the Milk Fed Veal Chop barbequed with peperonata, sage, runner beans and anchovy butter; and the Hampshire Pork, roasted with fennel, greengages & butternut squash. Both meals were generous in size and flavours. Really happy with our choices.

Unfortunately there was nothing on the dessert menu we fancied, so we paid up, and wandered back across Petersham Meadows, dodging cowpats along the way, and stopped off at our favourite chocolate shop for a sweet treat.